• They look at things from a new angle, taking unexpected points of view on a familiar subject.
• They have broad horizons. They think about and talk about a wide range of issues and experiences from beyond their own daily lives.
• They are enthusiastic, displaying a passion for what they are doing with their lives and an interest in what you’re saying to them at that moment.
• They don’t talk about themselves all the time.
• They are curious. They ask ‘Why?’ and they want to know more about what you’re telling them.
• They empathise. They try to put themselves in your place to relate to what you’re saying.
• They have a sense of humour and they don’t mind using it on themselves. The best conversationalists frequently tell stories about themselves.
• They have their own style of talking.

Which one of these would you rank as the most important?